Council workers responsible for the communal pipeline say the burst happened on a section of the pipeline that had previously not been in use for 37 years.

As a result, they came under criticism when it was pointed out that the normal pipeline would only be expected to operate for 25 years before being replaced, and certainly not be put into service again after a 37-year break.

Investigators were called in once the water had been turned off to assess the damage and prepare a report. They are also supervising repair work.